TRAUMA CARE INFORMATION
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an individual psychotherapy approach used for PTSD.
Women’s Recovery does not currently offer EMDR. This page explains the treatment and the care Women’s Recovery offers instead.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR is an individual, trauma-focused psychotherapy used for PTSD. A trained clinician first discusses the person’s history, readiness and ways to manage distress. In later work, the person attends to a troubling memory and the thoughts or feelings connected to it while following alternating eye movements or sounds guided by the clinician. The clinician checks in during and after the exercise and reassesses symptoms over time. The approach involves more than eye movements: preparation, pacing and the therapeutic relationship are part of the process.
Whether EMDR is appropriate depends on an individual clinical assessment. A qualified clinician can assess whether it fits a person’s needs and how to prepare for distress that may arise. See the VA National Center for PTSD’s EMDR overview for more educational detail.
Trauma care at Women’s Recovery
Our Denver outpatient team may use IFS and parts work, TIST, attachment and somatic approaches, group work and psychiatric care according to assessment. PHP or IOP may be an entry point. We can coordinate with an outside provider with your consent.
Read about our clinical model or review referral information.